My Bent Tree

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 My Bent Tree, a hardcover picture book printed on recycled paper in the United States, is a story told in rhyming verse about diversity, friendship, loyalty, social action, ecology, sustainability and conservation. Vibrant pictures illustrate the theme of environmental awareness. There are questions for parents, teachers and older children about diversity and trees. A story loved by all.

One day while Brodsky was walking her dog on their regular route, she noticed a crooked pine tree, and the next day wrote the first four lines of the poem that would become My Bent Tree. As she worked on the poem, she realized that the crooked pine reminded her of a childhood illness, polio, that had changed her life. With the help of her mother, Brodsky regained her strength and health.

As a therapist and clinical social worker for almost 40 years, Brodsky has worked with many people who have struggled to overcome personal difficulties that began in childhood. The story in My Bent Tree shows that even if we are different, we can be okay. “Sometimes we are fine in spite of our dents.”

Perkins School for the Blind has made My Bent Tree into a Talking Book and a Braille Edition for readers who are blind or visually impaired. Contact Perkins School for the Blind, perkins.org for more information.

Younger kids like the rhyme, while the older kids understand the messages. The story shows that even if we are different, we can be okay. “Sometimes we are fine in spite of our dents.”